Pornographic Video Attacking Kids' Facebook Pages

Update, 6:45 p.m. March 26

Attorney General George Jepsen issued the following statement on a malicious video circulating on Facebook that has prompted warnings in several Connecticut communities:

 
“My office has been in contact with Facebook about this video and the local reports that it has surfaced in Connecticut. Facebook has been very responsive to our requests for information and is working directly with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on this matter. The FBI has been aware of this particular video since 2005 and is seeking information on the unknown suspect. Anyone with information can contact an FBI investigator by email at RescueMe@ic.fbi.gov.
 
“I have asked Facebook for a report on its efforts to remove the video and have been told that it has taken the necessary steps to remove this video from its site. Facebook should be diligent in that regard.  Facebook has advised that, contrary to some reports, the video is not a virus, but is being spread through views and shares. If you see a suspicious video link in your newsfeed or on your timeline, do not view or share it. Report it to Facebook immediately, and delete it.”

Update, 10:56 a.m. March 26

The Naugatuck Police Department has received a complaint from a resident who found child pornography on Facebook.

Original Post:

Editor's Note: This was originally published on Farmington Patch and Region 14 Superintendent Jody Goeler sent a letter out to parents about the incident. Below is the original letter from the Farmington superintendent.

Dear Farmington Families, 

I am writing to all Farmington parents because I want to make you aware of a very concerning situation.  The Farmington Police have learned that a virus in the form of a disturbing pornographic video involving a young child is attacking Facebook and has been received by some FHS students on their personal Facebook accounts.  Although your child may not attend FHS, other students or siblings may have Facebook accounts that could be affected and we wanted to alert you of this situation immediately. 

The police have learned that the virus comes as a friend sharing a video. If the video is opened, it attaches to an individual’s Facebook account and gets shared to Facebook friends of the person who opened the message. The video will look like it is coming from a friend, but it is in fact a virus. We have also learned from the police that this video will clearly be affecting numerous students because the individual who alerted the police was a student who opened the video. 

The video is quite graphic and it will be very disturbing to students.  If your child has a Facebook account, please tell your son or daughter to refrain from clicking on any shared videos.  If the shared video can be deleted, please delete the shared video immediately. 

The Farmington police have told us that the Hartford Police, who are also involved, have been in contact with the FBI. 

Sincerely, 

Kathleen C. Greider
Superintendent